Stent package

ABSTRACT

A medical device dispenser as disclosed wherein the medical device is typically cylindrical in shape, and contains a stent on a platform. The stent is maintained in a sterile position prior to release from the medical device dispenser. The stent on the platform is held in place by a release mechanism which prevents a spring mechanism from activating. Once activated, the spring mechanism forces the stent out of the package so it may be used in conjunction with a catheter. Other types of medical devices are also contemplated, such as filters, distal protection devices and other cylindrical elements.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to packages for medical devices. More specifically, this invention relates to a packaging dispenser for a stent, particularly a coronary stent.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002]FIGS. 1 and 2 are cutaway views of a stent packaging dispenser as described in the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0003] As seen in FIG. 1, there is contained a tubular stent 10 in a stent packaging dispenser 20 of the present invention. The tubular stent 20 is maintained in a sterile state within the cylindrical dispenser 20. The cylindrical dispenser 20 is comprised of a spring mechanism 30, which is held in place by a pair of release toggles 40. These release toggles 40 are activated by a release mechanism 50 contained at the base of the dispenser 20.

[0004] The stent 10 itself sits on a platform 60 which will be encouraged forward upon release of the spring mechanism 30. The platform 60 contacts a stop 35 at the end of the mechanism 30, capable of causing the platform 60 to stop at a location ideal for removing the encased stent 10 after it has been exposed. At the top 29 of the mechanism 30 is an opening 31 which is typically sealed to the environment so that before release the stent 10 is maintained in a sterile condition.

[0005] As seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, therefore, the stent packaging dispenser 20 of the present invention allows the user to obtain a stent 10 in the sterile field without having to open a package containing a stent placed on a catheter. This may be useful where it is desired to use a different stent with a particular catheter, or where it is desired to place and additional stent on a catheter that has already been used within a patient when the original stent has been in place. The operator is capable of obtaining the stent 10 from its package and removing the medical device from the package within the sterile field and, therefore, allowing the stent to be placed on a catheter (not shown) prior to use.

[0006] Of course, it is contemplated that the current invention is capable of being used with multiple stents being placed in the package, much has in a magazine containing a supply cartridge. In this fashion, stents of a similar type can be kept one after another in series (not shown) so that upon use the stent is removed from the device, the spring mechanism is reloaded, the release mechanism is reloaded, and a new stent is loaded on to the platform as seen in FIG. 1. Thus, multiple stents may be contained within the same package for use at a later time.

[0007] Of course, this package can be modified to be useful for other medical products. For instance, the present embodiment can contain a filter mechanism, and may also be useful in a similar arrangement. As well, it is contemplated that virtually any tubular medical product can be placed on the platform with an appropriately configured release mechanism and security top so that they can also be accessed. In this fashion, it is contemplated that many medical devices may be adaptable to such a package.

[0008] Other uses of this package are contemplated herewith. Certainly, other materials, other that the plastic typically used for such a mechanism, are contemplated. Other medical devices are certainly contemplated. In addition, other configurations such as releasing of multiple stents at the same time are contemplated. In any event, the invention should be understood from the attached claims and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A stent packaging dispenser containing a package; a stent contained therein; a release mechanism; and a spring mechanism for releasing the stent from the package.
 2. A stent packaging dispenser containing an encased stent within a package, a release mechanism for releasing the encased stent from the package, a spring mechanism for activating the release mechanism to release the stent from the package, and an activating mechanism for activating the release mechanism.
 3. A medical device dispenser containing a platform for maintaining the medical device; a package for surrounding the medical device on the platform; a release mechanism for releasing the medical device out of the package; and a spring mechanism for activating the release mechanism to release the device from the mechanism.
 4. The dispenser of claim 3 wherein the medical device is a stent.
 5. The dispenser of claim 3 wherein the mechanism is cylindrical.
 6. The dispenser of claim 3 wherein the package is made of plastic.
 7. The dispenser of claim 3 wherein the release mechanism is connected to the spring mechanism.
 8. The dispenser of claim 3 wherein the medical device is kept sterile within the package.
 9. The dispenser of claim 8 wherein the medical device is a stent.
 10. The dispenser of claim 8 wherein the medical device is a filter.
 11. The dispenser of claim 9 wherein the medical device is cylindrical.
 12. The dispenser of claim 3 wherein the release mechanism further comprises a stop which is useful for stopping the platform from contacting the top of the dispenser. 